As a Reformed evangelical Xhosa, reading Rogers S. Levin’s Living Man from Africa opened my eyes to the history of my people and the comprehensive story of God’s grace and providence in southern Africa. I was able to gain deep insight into this. The central purpose of Levine’s book is to depict how Jan Zatzou, an African chief, missionary, traveler, and cultural mediator, navigated the complexities of his time.
The life and times of Jan Zazzo
Through the story of Zatso’s life, Levine delves into the broader historical context of the Xhosa people and their interactions with British colonial powers. The Xhosa country, particularly the area between Gkebelha (Besselsdorp) and King William’s Town, has a rich history. Levin’s book highlights how the British suzerain established borders between the Xhosa and Khoisan peoples to prevent them from living together or cooperating. This was a clear attempt at division and control.
Levine delves into the broader historical context of the Xhosa people’s interactions with British colonial powers.
However, Jan Zatzow’s unique position enabled him to bridge cultural gaps, negotiate power relations, and play an important role in the missionary work and political climate of his time. This historical detail reminds me of Psalm 33:10-11. He thwarts people’s goals. But the plan of the Lord is eternal, and the purpose of his heart endures from generation to generation. ”
The Living Man from Africa: Jean Zatso, Xhosa Chief and Missionary, and the Making of South Africa in the 19th Century
Roger S. Levin
The Living Man from Africa: Xhosa Chief and Missionary Jan Zatso and the Making of South Africa in the 19th Century
Roger S. Levin
Yale University Press. 324 pages.
Born around 1792 into a Xhosa royal family in South Africa, Jan Zatso was destined to live in a time of great change that saw the arrival and establishment of European colonialism. As a missionary, chieftain, cultural intermediary, and British traveler in the Eastern Cape frontier and Cape Town, Zatso helped facilitate the merging of the African and European worlds into the new South African reality. However, by the 1860s, despite his determined resistance, he had become an oppressed subject of harsh British colonial rule. In this innovative, richly researched, and masterfully written biography, Roger S. Levine recovers Zazzo’s lost story and analyzes his contributions and experiences in a turbulent colonial world. It asserts the important role of Africans as agents of cultural and intellectual change.
Yale University Press. 324 pages.
God’s plan was different from England’s plan
Zazzo’s journey is a testament to God’s abiding purpose and grace. Despite challenges such as colonialism and the attempts of the British powers to create division, Zazzo’s life reflects the providence of God at work throughout history. His role as a cultural intermediary and missionary helped to demonstrate God’s grace by using individuals to fulfill God’s promises and plans, and to convey the gospel message to the nation.
His journey is a testament to God’s abiding purpose and grace.
Because Zatso understood both Xhosa and British culture, he was able to serve as a bridge between the two. He was able to explain the Xhosa customs, traditions, and ways of thinking to the British, while at the same time helping the Xhosa understand British intentions and policies. Although this cultural mediation was crucial in promoting understanding between the two groups, it did not always have the desired outcome for the Xhosa people.
mediator sent from god
Zazzo’s role as a missionary further emphasized his mediating position. He converted to Christianity and worked closely with European missionaries such as the London Missionary Society. A convert to Christianity, Zazzo traveled extensively, including visiting England to advocate missionary causes and share his experiences.
Zazzo used his position to unite people and share the transformative power of the gospel.
His Christian faith and missionary work enabled him to introduce elements of Western religious practices to the Xhosa people, while also contextualizing Christianity within the Xhosa cultural framework. I am reminded of the words of 1 Corinthians 9:22. I have become all things to all people, and I want to do whatever I can to save some. ” Zazzo exemplified this principle, using his position and influence to unite people and share the transformative power of the gospel.
Zazzo and modern challenges
Levine’s historical account and Jan Zazzo’s story challenge me to consider my role in my community and broader society.
As a Reformed Evangelical Xhosa, I am called to be a bridge builder and evangelizer just like Zatso. This means being a witness to the life-changing gospel message of saving men and women of every culture, tribe, and language while actively engaging with your own cultural heritage. By understanding and accepting my history, I am able to carry on the legacy of faith and resilience that Zatso embodied and contribute to the continuing story of God’s work in and through the Xhosa people. can.
God calls us to be bridge builders and evangelists, just as Zazzo was.
Therefore, the vision of Revelation 7:9-10 encapsulates hope for all nations, tribes, and languages, including the Xhosa people. It is a reminder that diversity is celebrated in God’s Kingdom, where all cultures find their place before the throne of God and are united in worship and salvation through Jesus Christ.
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no one could number, came from every nation, tribe, people, and language, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. , I saw him standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” He cried out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Final Thoughts
“There are many plans in the hearts of men, but the purpose of the Lord prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).
This proverb reminds us that despite man’s efforts to control and divide, God’s purpose always prevails. It encourages me to trust God’s sovereign plan for my life and community.
“God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).
The whole verse says: “We know that in all things God works for good to those who love him, to those who are called according to his purpose.” Challenges faced by the Xhosa people As I reflect on this, this verse reassures me that God works all things together for good. Knowing that God is at work even in difficult times gives me hope and a sense of purpose.
“Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
Once again, the entire verse goes like this: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you; I am with you” (Matthew 28:19-20). The Great Commission of Jesus compels me to follow in the footsteps of Jan Zazzo, share the Gospel, and make disciples within and outside of my community.
Let us carry on the legacy of our ancestors of resilience, unity, and faithfulness to God’s call.
Reading The Living Man from Africa by Rogers S. Levine was an enlightening and spiritually enriching experience. This gave me a better understanding of the history of the Xhosa people. And it strengthened my resolve to live out my faith in a practical and transformative way. As I reflect on the lives of those who came before me, I want to continue their legacy of resilience, unity, and faithfulness to God’s call.
